Description
Perfect holiday magic happens when Christmas Cheesy Baked Delight arrives at your festive table. Melted cheese and seasonal herbs create an irresistible comfort dish that guests will absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded chicken (optional, for a main dish)
- 4 cups (500 g) cooked pasta (e.g., penne, elbow, or bowtie)
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) diced red bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C), then lovingly coat a baking vessel with a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray to ensure effortless serving.
- Liberate frozen vegetable medley from its icy state through gentle microwave thawing or stovetop warming. Consider incorporating seasonal produce like vibrant broccoli, tender spinach, or sweet potatoes for a personalized touch.
- Assemble a flavor symphony in a spacious mixing vessel by blending shredded cheese varieties, creamy mushroom soup, and your selected vegetable ensemble. Introduce cooked rice or pasta to provide delightful textural complexity, then harmonize the mixture with a subtle whisper of salt and pepper.
- Carefully transfer the luscious vegetable and cheese creation into the prepared baking dish, crowning the mixture with a crunchy breadcrumb veil that promises a golden, crisp exterior.
- Allow the dish to transform in the heated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals culinary perfection.
- Rescue the masterpiece from the oven, permitting a brief moment of rest to stabilize its molten interior. Present steaming hot as an indulgent side dish or robust main course that will elevate your holiday gathering with its rich, comforting essence.
Notes
- Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking soup ingredients.
- Elevate protein content by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for a more substantial dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or goat cheese to customize taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg